~*~Mother’s Day Spa Day~*~
Waterford, Ireland
Malachi pushed open the door to the cozy guest bedroom in his mother's home in Waterford, Ireland. As he stepped inside, a soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips at the heartwarming scene that greeted him.
There, on the large queen-sized bed, lay Bella and Máire, both adorned in matching fluffy bathrobes and spa headbands, looking as though they were in the midst of a luxurious spa day. Máire giggled gleefully as Bella tickled her chubby little feet, the sound filling the room with warmth and joy.
"Hey there, my loves," Malachi greeted them, his voice filled with affection as he approached the bed. "What's going on here?"
Bella looked up from where she was lying next to Máire, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just enjoying a little mother-daughter bonding time," she replied, her voice soft and filled with warmth. "I figured since it's Mother's Day back home and Máire's officially nine months old today, we deserved a little treat."
Malachi chuckled softly, his heart swelling with love for his girls. "Well, don't you two look absolutely adorable," he said, his gaze sweeping over them affectionately. "And here I was thinking about just serving you a little breakfast in bed, but it seems like you have a headstart on me. Is there a space for me to join in on my girls spa day?"
Bella grinned mischievously, patting the spot on the bed next to her. "Right here, babe," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But you'll have to wait your turn. Máire and I were here first. That and we ran out of the face mask stuff but I’m sure we could fit in a nice little mani/pedi sesh before the day is through."
Malachi feigned a pout, but it quickly melted away as he climbed onto the bed, settling himself with Bella and Máire on the other side of his young daughter, with a contented sigh. Together, they watched the movie playing on the small television perched on the dresser across from the bed, basking in the simple joy of being together as a family. They even got Mal in on the spa treatments with the golden patches under his eyes.
Máire would pull herself up to poke at her daddy’s face every now and again which would give Mal all more reasons to wrap her up in his arms and blow raspberries on her little cheeks that would send everyone into a fit of giggles.
“Oh if I had a camera...” they heard from the doorway as they all turned their heads to see Malachi’s mother Aileen standing there with a smile on her face. “Oh wait, I do!” as she brings out her phone really quick and snaps a fun picture of her youngest son’s family. Máire has learned to give a big toothy smile for the few teeth that she has cut
“Aileen! Join us!!!” Bella smiled and patted a spot next to her, “We were just enjoying a movie.”
“I would love to, my dear, but I do need to borrow my son and granddaughter for just a brief moment. I’d hate to break this up but you should get changed as well.” Aileen said with a smile, “Don’t rush but dress comfortably.”
“Are you sure you don’t need my help? This is technically your day too!”
“Nonsense dear, we got it.” Mal gets up from the bed and hands her Máire who gives her grandma a big hug, “Good mornin’ to you too my sweet angel. Let’s get you ready!”
Bella watched them leave the room, her heart swelling with happiness. She took a deep breath, feeling grateful for the family she had, and started to get ready for whatever the day had in store.
As Bella changed into comfortable clothes, her mind wandered back to the last few months. The loss to Bobbie Dahl had been tough, but she had taken the time to regroup and refocus. The trip overseas for the SCW Battleground Tour had been a much-needed escape, allowing her to clear her mind and find her footing again. Appearing in front of the French crowd on the May 5th edition of Climax Control had felt like a homecoming of sorts. France had always held a special place in her heart, and performing there was a present she had given herself. Especially on what was her 26th birthday. And now that Bobbie was no longer holding on to that Roulette Championship, things have definitely taken an interesting turn.
But for now, as she prepared to step back into the ring, Bella felt a renewed sense of purpose. The time with her family had reminded her of what she was fighting for. Máire’s laughter, Malachi’s unwavering support, and the warmth of Aileen’s home had filled her with a quiet strength. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Bella emerged from the bedroom, feeling rejuvenated. She found Malachi and Aileen in the kitchen, preparing breakfast with Máire sitting in her high chair, babbling happily.
“Ready for the day, love?” Malachi asked, looking up from the stove with a smile.
Bella nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “More than ready,” she replied, her voice filled with conviction. “Let’s make the most of it.”
As they sat down to enjoy their breakfast together, Bella felt a sense of calm settle over her. She knew that whatever happened in the ring, she had the love and support of her family. And with that, she was ready to take on the world.
~*~Dreams of Troy~*~
Bella found herself standing on the cobblestone streets of ancient Troy, surrounded by towering walls and majestic buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The air was thick with the scent of history and the echoes of battles long past.
As she walked through the ancient city, Bella couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her heart. She glanced around nervously, her footsteps echoing in the empty streets.
Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her, low and ominous. "Who dares to tread upon the hallowed ground of Troy?"
Bella turned to see a shadowy figure emerging from the shadows, clad in armor that gleamed with an otherworldly light. It was Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, her eyes piercing and unyielding. Bella immediately kneeled in front of her, not daring to look at one so strong. She was a Goddess afterall
"I...I am Bella Madison," Bella stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "I-I mean no disrespect. I only seek to...to find my place among the greats."
Athena regarded her with a stern gaze, her expression unreadable. "And what makes you think you belong here?" she asked, her voice like thunder rolling across the sky.
Bella swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Athena's scrutiny bearing down on her. "I...I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've come so close, but...but I always seem to fall short. Maybe I'm not worthy."
Athena's eyes softened slightly, and she reached out a hand to touch Bella's shoulder. The figure, swooped her hand under Bella’s chin and lifted her head gently. Bella’s eyes teared up when she saw almost a reflection of herself in the Goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy "Worthy is not a title bestowed upon you by others," she said gently. "It is earned through courage, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. Do not doubt yourself, Bella Madison. Your journey is far from over, and your place among the greats is yet to be determined."
With that, Athena vanished into the shadows, leaving Bella alone in the ancient city. The weight of her words lingered in the air, filling Bella with a sense of clarity and purpose. She may have stumbled and fallen along the way, but she refused to let doubt and uncertainty hold her back any longer.
For Bella Madison, the journey to greatness had only just begun. Bella pressed on through the ancient streets, her heart filled with determination and her eyes set firmly on the horizon. The echoes of Troy whispered in the air, carrying her forward on her quest to fulfill her destiny and stand among the legends of the past.
And as she walked, the shadows of doubt and fear fell away, replaced by the radiant light of hope and possibility. For Bella Madison, the dream of Troy was not just a vision of the past—it was a glimpse of the future, where she would carve her own legacy and leave her mark on the world.
With that, leaving Bella standing alone in the empty arena, her heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. She knew that the road ahead would be long and challenging, but she was ready to face whatever obstacles stood in her way.
For Bella Madison, the dream of Troy had shown her that greatness was not a destination, but a journey—one that she was more than ready to embark upon.
And a dream that told her what she needed to know.
She was on the right path.
~*~Rules of Engagement: Preparation is Key~*~
Hotel in Troy
A quiet evening settled over the Madison room, a place that they temporarily made their home, the soft glow of lamps casting warm shadows across the cozy living room. Bella sat on the couch, her thoughts swirling with anticipation and uncertainty as she flipped through the pages of the Rules of Engagement, her own guiding principles for competition. Beside her, Malachi reclined in an armchair, his eyes fixed on Bella with a mixture of concern and support.
"Bella," Malachi began, breaking the comfortable silence that enveloped them, "What's on your mind, mo grá?"
Bella glanced up from the rulebook, her expression troubled. "I'm just... I'm not sure if I belong among the greats," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've been so close to that moment so many times, only to fall short. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just disappointing everyone."
Malachi reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Hey, listen to me," he said softly, his gaze unwavering. "You are not disappointing anyone. Not me, not Máire, not your mum, not your fans, and certainly not yourself. You've faced challenges that would have broken lesser competitors, but you've always risen stronger. You've proven time and time again that you belong in that ring, that you deserve to stand among the greats."
Bella's eyes met Malachi's, a flicker of determination sparking within them. "But what if I'm not good enough?" she whispered, the fear lingering in her voice.
Malachi's grip tightened, his voice firm and unwavering. "You are more than good enough, Bella," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "You are fierce, you are resilient, and you are unstoppable. You have the heart of a champion, and nothing—not doubt, not fear, not even past defeats—can take that away from you. That’s just the tip of the iceberg as to why I love you."
Bella's resolve strengthened, fueled by Malachi's never ending belief in her. "You're right," she said, her voice steady and sure. "I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. And with you by my side, I know I can overcome anything."
Malachi smiled, a proud glimmer in his eyes. "That's my girl," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Now, let's go over those Rules of Engagement one more time. You've got this, Bella. I believe in you."
With Malachi's support bolstering her spirits, Bella turned her attention back to the rulebook, a newfound sense of determination burning within her. As she absorbed the words on the page, she knew that she was ready to step into the ring and face whatever challenges awaited her. With Malachi by her side, she felt invincible, ready to conquer whatever lay ahead on her journey to greatness.
~*~Return to the Ring~*~
Troy, Turkey
The ancient city of Troy, steeped in history and legend, provided a majestic backdrop for Bella Madison’s return. As she stood alone in the empty SCW arena, the sense of history and grandeur of Troy filled the air. The soft glow of the arena lights illuminated the ancient ruins projected on the screen, casting a mystical aura around her.
Draped in flowing, gold-trimmed robes reminiscent of a Trojan warrior, Bella looked every bit the part of a modern-day warrior queen. Her hair was braided with intricate golden threads, and her blue eyes burned with a fierce determination.
Stepping up to the microphone that sits on her stage, she took a deep breath, her voice resonating with the quiet strength of the ancient city. “Today, I stand in the legendary city of Troy,” she began, her voice firm and unwavering. “A city known for its mighty warriors, its unyielding spirit, and its legendary women. Women who fought with courage, who faced impossible odds, and who left a legacy that has endured through the ages.”
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle in the stillness of the empty arena. “Like those women, I am here to fight. I am here to defy the odds. I am here to leave a legacy.”
Her voice grew stronger, filled with conviction. “I’ve faced setbacks. I’ve faced doubts. But every time I’ve fallen, I’ve risen stronger. And now, with the spirit of Troy behind me, I am more determined than ever to fulfill my promise. A promise that I made in France, a promise that by the end of this year that I was going to be a singles champion.”
She took a step forward, the soft rustle of her robes the only sound in the quiet arena. “I will not be deterred. I will not be denied. I will fight with every ounce of strength in my body, and I will claim SCW singles gold. But I need everyone to understand something. This isn’t just about a title. It’s about proving to myself, to my family, and to everyone who believes in me that no matter how many times life knocks us down, we have the power to rise, to fight, and to conquer.”
Lifting her chin, her eyes blazed with determination. “So watch closely, SCW. Watch as I take my place among the warriors of Troy. Because this is just the beginning. Bella Madison is back, and I am unstoppable.”
“Climax Control, this Sunday,” Bella began, her voice steady and confident. “My first match back, and I couldn’t ask for a better opponent than Ariana Angelos. Ari, you and I have crossed paths before, but this time, things are different. This time, I’m coming back with a fire that’s been reignited by every challenge I’ve faced. You aren’t the only one that finds herself starting back at the very beginning bit sweetie, I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry.”
She smirked slightly, the corners of her mouth turning up with a hint of pride. “You see, I’ve gained a few nicknames along the way: ‘Bell of the Brawl’ and ‘Hardcore Pixie.’ Names that I carry with pride because they represent the fearlessness and tenacity I bring to every match. And while this isn’t a hardcore match, make no mistake, Ari—I’m bringing that same intensity and drive. I’m also hell bent on making every single match from here on out a statement.”
Bella’s eyes narrowed with determination. “I’ve made a promise to myself and to everyone who believes in me that I will not be deterred. Not now, not ever again. This match is the first step on my path to SCW singles gold, and it starts with you, Ari. I respect you as a competitor, but I need you to understand that I am more focused and more driven than ever before.”
She took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. “I’ve learned from every setback, every loss. I’m not going to dwell on it but I am going to make it my teacher. Every single vet in this business knows exactly what I am talking about. All these matches...they’ve made me stronger, tougher, and more relentless. I’m ready to show the world what the ‘Hardcore Pixie’ is capable of. I’m ready to prove that the ‘Bell of the Brawl’ is here to stay. And she is thirsty for something far more than just a few small wins.”
Bella’s voice softened, but her resolve remained unshakable. “Ari, bring your best...I know you will, because you know damn well I’m bringing mine. And when the dust settles, everyone will know that Bella Madison is back and ready to conquer. I’ll see you in the ring.”
Bella turned and walked away, her robes flowing behind her like a warrior’s cape. The determination in her stride and the fire in her eyes left no doubt—she was ready to make her mark and begin her journey toward SCW singles gold, starting with Ariana Angelos at Climax Control.
With that, the silence around her filled with the echoes of her powerful declaration. She stood tall and proud, feeling the weight of history and the strength of the legendary women who had come before her. This was her moment, and she was ready to seize it with the spirit and resilience of a true Trojan warrior.
